Beyond PubMed: CME's Hidden Treasure Map
Write Medicine · Alexandra Howson PhD
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Show Notes
CME professionals, medical writers, educators, and researchers - what would you do if PubMed suddenly became less accessible? You depend on this critical resource daily to find evidence-based information that powers your work. But recent funding uncertainties at the NIH have raised questions about its future.
You need consistent, reliable access to quality biomedical research to meet deadlines and maintain credibility, but navigating alternatives can feel overwhelming. Where would you even begin if your go-to resource is compromised?
Today's episode is your insurance policy. My conversation with medical librarian Rachel Wedeward MLIS, AHIP reveals not only why PubMed matters, but also provides you with practical alternatives, including a downloadable resource sheet, and evaluation strategies to ensure you'll never be left without the research you need - no matter what happens.
In this episode, you'll discover:
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The remarkable infrastructure behind PubMed's indexing system that makes it an indispensable tool for organizing and accessing biomedical research
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A comprehensive overview of complementary resources, including European PubMed Central and specialized databases that can enhance your research approach
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Practical wisdom for evaluating evidence quality
Listen now to expand your research toolkit with expert knowledge that will help you confidently navigate the evolving landscape of medical information resources.
Connect with Rachel
📚 Resources
PubMed
The essential biomedical database maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. A critical starting point for CME writers and medical educators to access peer-reviewed research.
European PubMed Central
A free database of biomedical and life sciences research literature from Europe. A strong alternative to PubMed.
Grey Literature Sources Sometimes the best insights aren’t found in journals. Examples of trusted grey literature repositories include:
Find guides on Rachel's website
Alex's Sharable Evidence Bank (>70 sources)
Mentioned in this episode:
Root Cause Analysis Practice Lab
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Root Case Analysis Practice Lab
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